I've been in a bit of a dilemma in choosing whether to read a degree or taking the professional ACCA route.

I've heard of people saying that ACCA is equivalent, if not better than a degree considering that it is much harder and more recognized.

Currently studying in Scotland, I have to make a decision on whether to try and get very good results in my Scottish Higher and thus apply for a UK university placement (depending whether i can acquire a scholarship from Malaysian government & other bodies) or return to Malaysia to take CAT.

(Take note that I have been given offer to do CAT at a university in Malaysia - no tuition fees )

Well.. I don't really have specific criterias per se... and the only advantage I can think of by doing a degree in the UK is that you'll get extra exposure and also the chance to work in a UK firm. (those sterling pounds are tempting)

The financial part is what worrying me and I probably have to apply for MARA or JPA scholarships or loan.... probably won't take a loan because it's not worth spending money for a degree when I know i can have a direct route to ACCA at a fraction of the cost....

I only have one year left in Scotland which is just in time for me to finish Scottish Higher. (AS LVL.. a bit below A2 lvl) It's a shame that I won't have time to do Advanced Higher (Full A Lvl - a bit harder) because if so, I will have the opportunity to apply for more prestigious universities like LSE... although the chance of getting in is quite slim without exceptionally good results lol...

Currently waiting for my Standard Grade results (O Lvl)... probably will be in the post this coming Tuesday.... wish me luck because UiTM has said that my CAT offer depends on my O lvl lol...

I won't even think of staying back in the UK if i don't get a scholarship.. heh... it's not worth the costs and hassle.

I will be exactly 17 next year.... and if all goes well I'll be in uni when most of my peers will be doing their SPM trials.. hehe.. that's quite good...

I can even return to Malaysia right now and enrolled in UiTM for their January intake.. but..hmm.. i think 16 is too young and I have started on my Scottish Higher anyway, so it's not very good to stop halfway through lol..

One more thing, I heard that Big4 employees worked like slaves in Malaysia, quite a sad story since I bet their UK employees have better working hours and conditions. Those MNCs are really taking advantages out of developing nations lol, milking them for what they are worth....

We should demand better salary for professional graduates. It's not that easy to pass their exams.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

hahaha.. please don't do any currency conversion lol.. if you do that you'll be shocked to know that their fresh graduates earn in excess of RM 14000++ per month.

Granted, the costs of living is higher... but proportionally, it is actually lower than Malaysia..considering than we are paid pittance there...

Branded goods, broadband, and groceries shopping (if you choose the cheapest product lol) are not much different than Malaysia.... the cars are so damn cheap as well...

Lol....

This post has been edited by verticalforce: Aug 6 2006, 12:52 PM

I wonder if it's possible to take up loan to do the final 3 core papers in the UK... just for the heck of it of course.. considering that you may have the chance to acquired a working permit , apply for jobs and ask your employer to extend your visa....

Anyone have ever done this?

This post has been edited by verticalforce: Aug 6 2006, 01:00 PM

I've read in the UK forum that if you have ACCA alone and not a degree, you will have a limitation of not being considered for higher positions...

Is that true? I personally think that is BS considering that ACCA is better than a degree, and a degree candidate still do have to take the professional exams anyway, which just consumed time when the professional ACCA graduates could have started on their ICAEW training....

They kept defending the statement of how there will be a glass ceiling when you apply for top management jobs/higher positions jobs... but I don't think they look for degree alone, but mainly your experience, expertise and MBA will probably helps a lot.